Hallmark Flowers folds

Hallmark Flowers, a subsidiary of Kansas City, MO-based Hallmark Cards, plans to shut down its 7-year-old direct-to-consumer flowers and gifts business by the end of April. Nearly 100 employees will be affected by the decision, which came after an internal analysis of Hallmark's business determined that operational investments required may not be recouped. Hallmark.com will continue to sell premium e-cards, paper cards, print-on-demand cards, digital greetings, and stationery products; the site also offers free e-cards, company details, and information about Hallmark Gold Crown stores.